Finding Your Favorites

Whether you’re in Beijing for a short time or here for the long haul, there will always be things from home that you’re sure to miss. With all that Beijing has to offer, the capital can be your home away from home, or your window into another culture. Whether you’re reminiscing or exploring, dig into an American breakfast, bite into an Aussie burger, watch a French film, read some Japanese manga, or sway to the rhythm of Bollywood music.

Indonesia Beijing lacks an authentic Indonesian restaurant, but there are two Thai-Indonesian eateries that might give you your Indo fix: Bali Thai and Bali Papaya. To stock up at home, head to Jenny Lou’s, BHG or Sanyuanli Market. Alternatively, place an order at Indocentre, then stop by to collect your goodies. Some of Indonesia’s best treats include Indomie and Mie Sedap instant noodles, Teh Sosro bottled tea, Indocafe coffeemix, Kecap Bango and ABC sweet soy sauce, as well as Indofood and ABC chili sauce. Indocentre can also help you book plane tickets to Indonesia.

India Head to Sanlitun to purchase fragrant spices at the Indian grocery store Qi Yuan, or have them delivered to your door. Dip into a delicious curry with homemade naan at one of Beijing’s finest Indian restaurants: Ganges Indian Restaurant, The Taj Pavilion or Indian Kitchen. Ganges also has live Bollywood dance performances every Thursday to Sunday (7-9.30pm) at its Sanlitun Village and The Place locations. Adults can dance away at Bollywood classes with Irit and kids can join Bollywood classes through Family Fun with Yuliya. And if you’d like henna done for a special occasion, contact Ms. Sangeeta and Rakesh at 130 5145 8559.

Canada If poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy) is what you’re after, head to The Box. April Gourmet and Jenny Lou’s stock maple syrup and Boucherie Michel, while French, has tasty smoked salmon for hungry, nostalgic Canadians. Those missing time on the ice should lace up at Ice Zone or All Star Champion Skating Rink (All Star). For ice skating and hockey gear, try the shop adjoined to All Star and Hosa Skating Center. Beijing is brimming with ski resorts, but Nanshan Ski Village is a true winter wonderland for both skiers and snowboarders. The kids will beg to go snow tubing and luging. Wanlong Ski Resort has longer runs for more advanced skiers. In the hot summer months, carve the slopes indoors at Qiaobo Ice and Snow World. Hiking enthusiasts should contact Beijing Hikers for their upcoming hikes around the capital.

AustraliaJenny Lou’s, April Gourmet and BHG have Australian goodies like Tim Tams, Arnott’s Mint Slices, and Vegemite. Shop on Taobao if it’s Minties you crave. Chow down on a true Aussie burger with egg and beetroot at Let’s Burger and Blue Frog. Or make your own burger on the barbie with a Villa Lifestyles grill. Located behind the Australian embassy, Cafe Flatwhite has long blacks and flat whites (Australian for Americano and milky café latte respectively). The Wine Republic sells a wide variety of Australian wines. Aunew stocks Australian and New Zealand goods ranging from Ugg boots to imported milk powder and vitamins. The coveted Bonds range of T-shirts and undies can be found at Red on Nanluogu Xiang. Amazon.cn sells books by popular Australian children’s author Mem Fox. For sport enthusiasts, Beijing Bombers has both Australian Rules (AFL) and cricket leagues. Cricket players can also check out Beijing Cricket Club.

Japan Authentic Japanese restaurants can be found close to the Japanese embassy. Amble along Anjialou Lu, just off Liangmaqiao Lu and you’re sure to find a Japanese restaurant to your liking. Open-kitchen Takenosuke serves up a tasty pizza-style omelette and tasty lotus crisps (warning: it is not a smoke-free environment). Sanyuanli Market sells fresh seafood and other Japanese produce, or stop by the Japanese supermarket chain Freshness. Uniqlo carries fashionable threads from Japan. For all things Japanese, shop at Muji for stationary, furniture, homewares, kitchenware, clothing and shoes. And if you can’t find manga at Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore, try Taobao.

The UK Dive into fish and chips at Orange Tree Bistro or Let’s Seafood; or enjoy bangers and mash at Parkside Bar and Grill. In the afternoons, Raffles Beijing offers a delightful tea set, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and other pastries. There is also sparkling wine for adults. For British Marmite and HP brown sauce, stop by Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet or BHG. And stock up on harder to find items, like Kendal mint cake, Tetley tea, and scones at Sanyuanli Market. Looking for your favorite characters? Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore carries Peter Rabbit books and Amazon.cn has Paddington Bear, the Spot series and Kipper the dog books. For British Beano comics, search Taobao.

France For all things French, head to the French Cultural Centre. It has a full library of French books, movie viewing stations, a kids’ corner, a movie theater, a café and a bookstore. Check www.ccfpekin.org for movie listings. Jacadi carries French clothes for babies and children, and Lacoste has French apparel for adults. Pick up a fresh baguette or croissants at Comptoirs de France. For French cheeses and wines, stop by international supermarkets like Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet. Parents can have a romantic dinner for two at Maison Boloud or Café de la Poste. Satisfy your crepe craving at Crêpanini or Jaya Cafe.

South Korea There is plenty of tasty Korean hot pot and perfectly grilled barbeque meats and veggies to be found in one of Wudaokou’s many Korean restaurants. But if the trek is too far, try Ai Jiang Shan in Lido, Saveurs de Corée in Nanluogu Xiang, or Han Na Shan – a popular chain restaurant with various locations. Check the Korean Culture Center website (http://china.korean-culture.org/welcome.do, Chinese only) for Korean art-centric events, such as photo exhibits, art auctions and film screenings. For the latest Korean trends, head to the Korean Fashion Market in Haidian and don’t forget to bargain.